City granted funds to provide smoke detectors (VIDEO)

COATESVILLE — Nearly a month after a mother and son were killed by flames that engulfed their Chestnut Street home on Sept. 18, officials gathered Tuesday to strengthen efforts aimed at curbing the dangers of residential fires.

Coatesville Bureau of Fire Chief Jim Lentz accepted two $1,000 checks that will be used to fund the purchase of 450-500 smoke detectors, which will be distributed to city residents free of charge.

One grant was given to the fire department on behalf of PECO Energy and the other was provided by Safe Kids Chester County, a non-profit organization administered by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.

“For years, PECO has been instrumental in assisting the Bureau of Fire in the delivery of its fire prevention program,” Lentz said in a statement. “PECO has donated thousands of dollars over the years for the purchase of smoke detectors, fire prevention materials and other safety appliances for the home. These smoke detectors were installed by firefighters in homes throughout the community while the fire prevention literature is given away to our youth as a way to get the word out on fire safety.”

City firefighters have taken to the streets in recent weeks to distribute and install working smoke detectors. On Oct. 13 volunteers from the fire department, Red Cross, and the Chester County Fire Marshall’s Office went door to door on Charles Street and installed 30 smoke detectors and replaced 13 smoke detector batteries. Firefighters will install smoke detectors by request 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Lentz said.

A portion of the funds from Safe Kids Chester County’s contribution will be used to fund the purchase of door knob hangers left at the homes of residents who missed firefighters on the door-to-door campaigns. The hangers, which are printed in both English and Spanish, provide details about the campaign and instructions on how residents can reach the fire department.

“On behalf of the city, the fire department, and all of its residents we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to PECO Energy and Safe Kids Chester County for their generosity,” Lentz said.

Lentz said the recent and tragic deaths of Elizabeth Izquierdo, 44, and her son, 5-year-old Imanol, could have been avoided if the family had working smoke detectors inside their home.

“The deaths on Chestnut Street were clearly attributed to a lack of smoke detectors, they make a difference,” Lentz said. “The bottom line is that statistics show people with working smoke detectors do not die in accidental fires.”

Another door-to-door event is scheduled for Oct. 28.

Lentz was joined Tuesday by Greg M. Cary of PECO Energy, Lori Aguilera and Shawn Vovericz of Safe Kids Chester County, District Attorney Tom Hogan, Coatesville City Manger Kirby Hudson and City Council President David Collins.

Smoke detectors are available free to city residents by calling the smoke detector hotline at 610-384-0300 ext. 3111.